The Rice University Neologisms Database

Catching the basketball after another player shoots but fails to make a basket; a rebound Sports announcers were seeking a more compact and original way to say “rebound” The announcers may have been attracted to BOARD because it adds to their comfortable, familiar tone, and serves as a shibboleth, labeling them as members of the basketball community. In addition, this word is compact and punchy – if an announcer yells “--- just got his twentieth BOARD!”, this has more immediate impact (and sounds more exciting) than “ --- just got his twentieth rebound!” This word is now regarded as basketball jargon – it is a vital part of the specialized slang used by basketball players.